Farmers are being urged to keep the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) informed of any changes to their land and update their Rural Land Register Maps on a regular basis.

Many farmers only update their maps when they submit their SPS application form rather than telling the Agency about land changes as soon as they happen. Letting the RPA know immediately not only saves time later, it also ensures that pre-populated SPS application forms are up to date and accurate, making the application process smoother and easier to complete.

Typical things that people forget to notify the Agency about include features that are ineligible for SPS, such as ponds, buildings and tracks with a hard surface, and it is a requirement of the scheme that farmers inform it of boundary changes to land parcels and Permanent Ineligible Features as soon as they take place.

Customer Director Justin Chamberlain said: “It is in everyone’s interests to have maps that are as up to date as possible.

“Up to date information on customers’ maps helps to ensure that they apply for SPS on the correct areas and in turn ensures that payments are accurate and timely.

“Now is a good time to act as changes submitted before Christmas will be reflected on the pre-populated SPS forms next year.”

The Agency began using aerial photography alongside land inspections last year to help identify changes on the ground that need incorporating into

RLR maps, but it is still better for farmers to act first and report changes to RPA.

The Rural Payments Agency should be notified of changes to land on the Rural Land Register by using a RLE 1 form which is available from the RPA website.